Stefan de Vrij has supplied a pointed rationalization for his resolution to go away Inter and Serie A, in feedback that learn as a delicate dig at his former membership.
The defender, whose contract expired on the finish of June, after years as a fixture within the Inter backline, a spell that introduced the Scudetto amongst different honours, however ended with a diminished function.
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Talking to ESPN on the sidelines of a pleasant between Panathinaikos and Ajax, he made clear {that a} need for prominence drove the transfer.
“My contract was expiring and I wished to return to being an necessary participant someplace,” De Vrij mentioned, with quotes courtesy of .
“Sadly, final yr I didn’t play a lot at Inter.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Stefan de Vrij of FC Internazionale Milano poses for a photograph with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on Could 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
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De Vrij drawn to Panathinaikos challenge after Inter exit
The 34-year-old, who started his Italian journey at earlier than the change to Inter, was tempted by the ambition of his new environment, and, by his personal admission, by town itself.
“Then I found this stunning historic membership that hasn’t received trophies for a very long time,” he defined. “They’re engaged on an excellent challenge and have taken the best path, with a brand new board and a brand new younger, fashionable coach. That attracted me. After which I used to be on vacation in Athens, a incredible place. Did that vacation play a job? Sure, let’s say it was a coincidence.”
He was extra guarded on options of a doable transfer to Feyenoord, including {that a} minor harm had difficult issues whereas stressing he stays accessible for the Netherlands after their early World Cup exit.